Prepared by

Dr Charles CopeMBBS BSc(Med) FRACS

SUMMARY

Blepharoplasty, or removal of skin

folds and fat bulges from the

eyelids, is a commonly performed

procedure with a very high degree

of patient satisfaction and low risk

of complications. It rejuvenates the

upper part of the face, making you

look fresher and more relaxed, and

feeling more self confident.

A patient guide to understanding

Blepharoplasty(eyelid reduction surgery)

PRACTICE LOCATIONS

North Shore Cosmetic Surgery is a group of PlasticSurgeons dedicated to providing a high standardof service to the North Shore.

All members are Fellows of the Royal AustralianCollege of Surgeons, Australian Society of PlasticSurgeons and Australian Society of AestheticPlastic Surgeons, and have been trained to thehighest possible standards.

North Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides acomprehensive range of cosmetic andreconstructive plastic surgery procedures,as well as a full range of ancillarytreatments.

Level 1, 357 Military RdMosman 2088

Suite 507 SAN ClinicWahroonga 2076

www.drcharlescope.com.au

www.infinityskin.com.au

FOR ALL APPOINTMENTS CALL

9908 3033

PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION

There are many medical conditions which mayaffect the outcome of eyelid surgery, includingthyroid disease, high blood pressure, smoking,and eye conditions such as glaucoma, dry eyes,and allergic conjunctivitis, and you should discussthese with your doctor prior to surgery.

Preoperative consultation on at least two separateoccasions is essential to ensure a realisticexpectation of the surgery. This involves yoursurgeon showing you before and after photos ofother patients who have undergone the surgery,giving you reading material on the surgery, andideally talking to a patient who has had this typeof surgery.

Most insurance companies and Medicare do notcover eyelid surgery unless upper lid skin excessaffects or obscures vision. If the upper eyelid skintouches or hangs over the lash/eyelid margin,then Medicare and health insurance companiescontribute to the cost of the surgery. Your surgeoncan advise you if this may be the situation for you.

THE SURGERY

Surgery can be performed under localanaesthetic, twilight sedation or generalanaesthetic depending on what the surgeryinvolves and the patient’s preference. Uppereyelid surgery is usually a day-only procedure, butwhen both upper and lower eyelid surgery isperformed it usually involves an overnight stay inhospital.

Upper eyelid incisions are hidden in naturalcreases, while lower eyelid incisions usually runjust under the eyelash line. Both incisions mayextend into the crows feet (smile lines) at theouter edge of the eye.

AFTER THE SURGERY

Following the operation it is best to sleep withseveral pillows keeping your head in an elevatedposition for the first few days to help minimise thebruising and swelling. Pain is usually minimal.Strenuous activity, lifting, stooping and bendingshould be avoided for the first week or two.

The bruising and swelling usually lasts betweenone and three weeks and is very variable in extentand duration. In this early stage eyes arecommonly red and feel dry or itchy. Ointmenthelps keep the eyes moist, especially at night, asthe lids may not fully close for a few weeks.Sutures are removed by the surgeon or a plasticsurgery nurse at five days. Light sensitivity,excess tearing, and blurred vision may bepresent for a couple of weeks (rarely longer).

Most patients return to driving and work withinone to two weeks. Eye makeup can be used fromabout two weeks and is useful if there ispersistent bruising.

INTRODUCTION

The eyelids are one of the first areas of the face toshow changes with ageing, commonly withdrooping upper eyelids or puffiness of the lowereyelids, giving a tired appearance.

Blepharoplasty is an operation designed to removeexcess skin folds and bulging fat bags. Itrejuvenates the upper part of the face, making youlook fresher and more relaxed, and feeling moreself-confident. Blepharoplasty is often combinedwith a browlift to lift sagging eyebrows or a faceliftor necklift to improve the lower part of the face.

Actual Patient Before

Actual Patient After